A child’s car seat has been flagged with a “don’t buy” caution after failing tests significantly, as reported by the consumer organization Which?. The Kinderkraft Mink Pro 2 and Mink FX 2 Isofix Base raised serious concerns during testing, resulting in a 0% rating. Priced at £79 with the seat base included, the product underwent an extensive crash test surpassing legal standards, revealing that the seat shell detached from the Isofix base and was ejected from the test vehicle.
Which? stated, “This poses a genuine safety hazard for your child in case of an accident, leading us to lower the score to 0%, regardless of its performance in other test aspects. When fastened using the vehicle seatbelt, the seat achieved a 50% rating.”
While the product has not been recalled, Which? recommended that owners reach out to the retailer or manufacturer to explore options for replacement or refund. It was listed among the products in the organization’s “don’t buy” roster for 2026.
In a similar vein, the Red Kite Push Me Explor Stroller, priced at £95, faced safety apprehensions due to a wheel detachment during durability trials on uneven terrain, resulting in a 43% score. Conversely, the Joie MyDrift, priced at £250, obtained a commendable 74% rating, with a “great value” designation for excelling in safety and ease-of-use evaluations.
In health gadget evaluations, the £80 Braun ExactFit 5 Connect Blood Pressure Monitor was criticized for providing inaccurate high or low readings, potentially causing unwarranted anxiety or misdiagnosis. In contrast, the £35 Boots Multi-User Blood Pressure Monitor, offering quick and precise readings, was endorsed as a better alternative.
Moreover, the Silentnight Airmax 800 Air Purifier, priced at £69, scored poorly at 37% for its inefficiency in removing small particles from the air compared to other similar products. On the other hand, the £59 Blueair Mini Max received a 65% rating for its effectiveness in eliminating airborne particles like dust, pollen, and smoke.
Harry Rose, the Editor of Which? Magazine, emphasized the importance of independent testing to shield consumers from substandard products. He highlighted that brand recognition or high prices do not guarantee quality, safety, or performance.
Regarding the products in question, Kinderkraft affirmed compliance with Regulation R129 for the Mink Pro 2 and Mink FX 2, offering customers the choice of a product exchange or full refund. Braun defended the testing procedures of its product, while RedKite assured ongoing investigations despite previous compliance with standards. Silentnight clarified the design of its Airmax 800 Air Purifier, emphasizing its purpose of removing airborne particles with a HEPA filter.
Consumers are advised to prioritize independent testing and product research to ensure their purchases align with promised standards and expectations.